My parents have wide carport (about 18′) that needs a cover when it snows. Right now they are using tarp to cover the back of their cars as not to have to clean the snow off the car. Extending the roof or adding on a structure to install actual garage door are ideas but they are not happy about changing the curb-appeal of the house. I thought a retractable (motorized) awning might work like this: install the awning but without the folding arms in the middle. Without the middle supports the awning fabric will roll straight down to become temporary curtain against the snow. I asked a sales personnel at sunsetter company and also local interior designer store, but both did not see this possibility. They said that the retractable awnings just are not made for this kind of use, with kind but dismissive tone. So I’d like to ask if you have motorized awning and/or have installed it, do you think this is a possible use? Are the awnings made in such a way that they would drop straight down if I omit the support arms? Is there something about the retracting mechanism or the frame that would catch, bind or interfere with the fabric dropping straight down, maybe the hinges for the folding arms? Second question is with the motor with these awnings. Review at the Galtech.com says all motors with these awnings have some problems. So if the motor quits, can the awning be manually rolled up, and easily (my parents are old). Sunsetters have window shades that roll up and down, but it is too light weight for this application. Any other idea is also welcome. Fabric barn door covers? Light weight structure covers? Anyway, thank you in advance for ideas.